Eggless Snowball Cookies

Snowball Cookies are the kind of treat that turn an ordinary afternoon into a festive moment. Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth soft, and rolled generously in icing sugar, these cookies look like tiny snowballs and taste like holiday magic. Even better? These cookies come together quickly, use simple ingredients, and deliver bakery-perfect texture without complicated steps. One bowl, minimal effort, and a whole lot of charm.

What Are Eggless Snowball Cookies?

Snowball cookies are the ultimate fuss-free bake. They’re tender, buttery, delicately crumbly, and slightly nutty, the exact cookie you reach for when you want something cozy and comforting.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday platter, gifting homemade treats, or just craving something sweet, these cookies check every box. They’re soft inside, lightly crisp outside, and coated in powdered sugar that makes them almost too cute to eat. Almost.

Since they’re egg-free, they’re also perfect for anyone with egg allergies or anyone who simply enjoys an easy, dependable cookie recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You know those recipes that you end up printing, bookmarking, and texting to friends? This is one of them. Here’s why:

• Simple, everyday ingredients: You only need basic pantry staples such as butter, powdered sugar, flour, cornstarch, vanilla, and oil. Add nuts if you love a little crunch.
• Soft, crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture: Cornstarch gives these cookies their iconic snowy softness.
• No eggs, no problem: Perfect for egg-free households or when you run out mid-week. They still bake beautifully and hold their shape.
• Quick and easy: Minimal chill time. The dough comes together in minutes.
• Customizable: Add nuts, add chocolate, add spice or keep them classic. Snowball cookies are wonderfully versatile.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicate, buttery cookies:

Unsalted butter: Butter is the star of this recipe, no surprises there! It gives these biscuits their rich flavor, crumbly texture, and that irresistible golden color. Always use unsalted butter, as it lets you control the salt level and ensures a pure, creamy taste. For the best flavor, use high-quality real butter. Try to avoid using margarine if you can, it lacks the fat content and flavor that make biscuits truly buttery.

Icing sugar: Icing sugar dissolves quickly and ensures a smooth dough without graininess. Unlike granulated sugar, it won’t create crunchy crystals, giving your biscuits that melt-in-your-mouth feel. Remember to sift your icing sugar before mixing to prevent lumps.

All Purpose Flour: Flour forms the structure and body of your biscuits. It provides the foundation that holds all that buttery goodness together. All-purpose flour (plain flour) gives the right balance as it is strong enough to hold shape. Ensure that you always sift your flour! It removes lumps and aerates it, resulting in lighter, softer biscuits that bake evenly.

Cornstarch (Maizena): Cornstarch softens the gluten in the flour, creating a light, crumbly texture reminiscent of shortbread. It’s the secret ingredient that makes these biscuits delicate yet buttery.

Vegetable Oil (Sunflower Oil): Vegetable oil keeps the biscuits moist while complementing the butter. It also helps with easy handling of the dough. Sunflower oil is neutral in flavor and won’t overpower the butter. Avoid strong oils like olive oil.

Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a gentle warmth and aroma that rounds out the flavor of your buttery biscuits. Use pure vanilla extract or vanilla paste if you can. Imitation vanilla works in a pinch, but the real thing gives a much richer, more authentic flavor.

Chopped Nuts: Nuts add contrast to the buttery softness. Pecans, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, all are delicious.

How to Make Eggless Snowball Cookies

Let’s get straight to the point. Here’s how you transform these simple ingredients into irresistible cookies.

Step 1: Preheat and prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 170°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or simply use a non-stick baking tray. This ensures your biscuits bake evenly and don’t stick, and it saves you from scrubbing trays later.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and icing sugar together until smooth, light, and creamy. Creaming incorporates air into the butter, giving your biscuits a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Smooth icing sugar ensures no graininess. Use a spatula to scrape the sides occasionally for even mixing.

Step 3: Add Cornstarch (Maizena)

Mix in the cornstarch until fully combined with the butter and sugar mixture. Cornstarch softens the dough, giving your biscuits a delicate, shortbread-like texture. This is the secret to that melt-in-your-mouth crumb.

Step 4: Add Vegetable Oil and Vanilla

Stir in sunflower oil and vanilla extract until smooth. Oil adds extra moisture, while vanilla enhances aroma and depth of flavor.

Step 5: Fold in Flour

Sift all-purpose flour and gently fold it into the wet mixture until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Sifting prevents lumps, and gentle folding avoids overworking the dough, keeping biscuits soft.

Step 6: Add Nuts

Add in chopped nuts gently at this stage. Adding the nuts now ensures even distribution without affecting the dough structure.

Step 7: Shape the Biscuits

Roll the dough into small balls (amount of 1 tablespoon). If you feel that the dough it too soft, you can chill the dough in plastic wrap for 25-30 minutes in the fridge/freezer as they will be easier to shape before baking them. These is really helpful especially if you are residing in a location that has really hot temperatures.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for +\- 12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. The centers should remain soft. Ensure to monitor the biscuits whilst they are baking to avoid them from browning too much.

Step 9: Cool

Transfer biscuits to a wire rack or leave on the baking tray to cool completely.

Step 10: Decorate

Roll in icing sugar to resemble snowballs.

Step 10: Serve or Store

Enjoy immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Can I Make These Ahead of Time

Absolutely! Here’s how:

Option 1: Make the Dough in Advance

Prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate or freeze for up to a month. When ready, shape, bake, and coat in sugar.

Option 2: Freeze the Dough

Roll the dough into balls and freeze them unbaked. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit out for a few minutes so the balls aren’t rock-hard. Bake as usual (about 12 minutes). Just keep an eye on the edges. If the dough is still very cold, the cookies may need an extra minute or two until the edges turn a light golden brown.

Option 3: Bake Ahead

These cookies store wonderfully for 5–7 days in an airtight container. They stay fresh, soft, and flavorful.

Storage Instructions

Snowball cookies store extremely well, another reason they’re perfect for gifting.

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Refrigerator: Optional, but helpful if your climate is very warm.
• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature and add a fresh dusting of icing sugar if needed.

Variations

These cookies are endlessly customizable. Try one of these twists:

1. Chocolate-Dipped Snowballs: Dip half the cookie in melted white or dark chocolate.
2. Spiced Snowballs: Add cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg to the dough.
3. Almond Snowballs: Swap vanilla for almond extract.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Yes, but butter gives a richer flavor and better texture. If using margarine, choose one that’s firm and not overly soft.

Q: Can I make them gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s suitable for baking.

Q: Can I use other nuts?
A: Yes! Almonds, pecans, cashews, or even pistachios work beautifully. Toast them lightly for extra flavor.

Did You Make This Recipe?

If you make these Eggless Snowball Cookies, leave a comment below! I’d love to hear how yours turned out. Nothing makes my day like seeing your kitchen successes. Happy baking!